Bombardier Supports Rebuilding Schools in the Philippines

BERLIN, GERMANY--(Marketwired - April 10, 2014) - Rail technology leader Bombardier Transportation has donated $125,000 US in the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan in November last year. The money will fund the rebuilding of three school buildings in Northern Cebu to help the schools resume education in a region where the company operates.

Bombardier signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity Philippines to rebuild the schools located in Tapilon, Kawit and San Remigio. The families of many local Bombardier employees live in these communities.

Following the natural disasters, Bombardier Transportation issued a call for donations to all its employees. Management then matched the amount raised. In accordance with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy focusing on the areas of education, environment and entrepreneurship in communities in which it operates, Bombardier Transportation decided to help bring children back to school in areas that were damaged severely.

Bombardier's Finance Shared Services Center in Cebu City is an active member in the community, sponsoring events like the annual Sinulog Festival parade, which attracted about 3.5 million people from across the Philippines this year. The center's employees handle accounting and reporting for 13 countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Evelyn Pantaleon, Principal of Kawit Elementary School said: "We are grateful to the support provided by Bombardier and Habitat for Humanity Philippines, which will change the lives of pupils in Northern Cebu. They are currently completing their semesters and studying in makeshift temporary classrooms. This contribution will enrich and rebuild local communities and is welcomed and appreciated by the pupils and their families."

"Habitat's philosophy is not only to provide houses, but also promote holistic community development," said Habitat CEO & Managing Director Charlie Ayco. "That is why the classrooms that Bombardier have generously donated will definitely help in rebuilding their lives as they move forward after this calamity."

Habitat's Re-build Philippines aims to meet the shelter needs of communities affected by natural or man-made calamities such as super typhoon Haiyan, the Bohol earthquake and the Zamboanga siege. Its disaster response program provides emergency and shelter repair kits and builds core houses for affected families.